Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production

This module builds on the concepts and techniques in Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192). It begins by focusing on invention, innovation and the advisory or legislative frameworks that promote good practice and ensure safety. It examines examples of patents, standards and an energy case study, providing a basis for introducing key engineering and mathematics topics. Next, it takes you on a tour of modern manufacturing methods and explores how they relate to materials’ properties, product design, environmental sustainability and profitability. It also introduces and applies more advanced mathematical techniques, including basic calculus, in an engineering context.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Engineering qualifications
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Module

Module code

T193

Credits

Study level

Level of Study
OU	SCQF	FHEQ
1	7	4

Student Reviews

As a follow on to 'Engineering: origins, methods, context' (T192) this module is excellent, developing further understanding of design and...
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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

Part 1: Engineering to rule
You will explore the ideas of innovation and invention, and the advisory or legislative frameworks used to promote good practice and ensure safety. These include patents, standards, industry guidelines, and other official sources of data, information and guidance. Examples will be chosen for closer examination that introduce key engineering topics. You will study aspects of the mechanical and electrical properties of materials, the behaviour of structures under load, and basic chemistry.

Part 2: Engineering for power
In this part you’ll explore the important topic of producing energy for human use. You will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and the growing need for low carbon energy. A case study looks more closely at one alternative approach – the production of electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic panels. Fundamental topics covered include the use of chemical equations, the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation, and the structure and properties of electronic materials.

Part 3: Manufacturing
Next, you will build on your growing understanding of the properties of materials. You will learn about key manufacturing techniques, and when and how they can be used to make products. The techniques covered include casting, forming, cutting, joining, surface engineering and additive manufacturing.

Part 4: Materials and resources
The final part will present some case studies of the use of materials and resources, putting manufacturing into a wider context of environmental and economic considerations.

Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and is included throughout the module. You will have opportunities to revise and build on the mathematics covered in Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192), by applying it to new topics in engineering. New mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphical representation, statistics and calculus will be introduced and applied.

You will be helped to develop your information literacy skills through library searches and technical reading linked to patents and standards. The Open Engineering Studio provides an online space where you can share work with other students and work together on collaborative activities. You will use a learning log to record and reflect on your progress.

Throughout the module, interactive quizzes will give you a chance to practise maths questions to prepare for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). Assignment questions will be based on activities in the module material.

This module provides ideal preparation for the third of our introductory engineering modules, Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194).

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
Guiding you to additional learning resources.
Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

There are four interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). These do not count towards your final mark, but you need to reach a threshold on at least three of them to pass the module.

Future availability

Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193) starts twice a year – in April and October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2024 and April 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2026.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Course work includes:; 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
: 4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
: End-of-module assessment

Entry requirements

You must have passed or currently be studying one of the following modules:

You need knowledge of basic engineering and design concepts and be able to solve problems using mathematics.

If you’ve passed T192, you’re well prepared. If you’ve not received your result yet, as long as you’ve achieved 40% or more on the first and second assignments, you should be adequately prepared.

Are you ready for T193?

Providing you have the appropriate background knowledge, you can typically expect to spend 300 hours studying T193 – this means 14 study hours per week over 21 weeks.

Register

Start	End	England fee	Register
05 Apr 2025	Sep 2025	£1818.00	Registration closes 13/03/25 (places subject to availability) Register
04 Oct 2025	Mar 2026	Not yet available	Registration opens on 19/03/25
11 Apr 2026	Sep 2026	Not yet available	Registration opens on 19/03/25
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2026.

Additional Costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open University Student Budget Account

The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

Employer sponsorship

Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.

Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.

Credit/debit card

You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.

Mixed payments

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).

Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.

This information was provided on 06/02/2025.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

be resident in England
have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

monthly payments through OUSBA
part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
our OpenStudio - an online collaborative studio
our OpenEngineering Laboratory – a remote-access laboratory based at our Milton Keynes campus.

You’ll also be provided with four module books, a module handbook, module map and assessment guide.

You will need

A scientific calculator, basic drawing equipment and a device capable of producing digital images (e.g. a smartphone, digital camera or scanner).

Computing requirements

Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they may not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Operating systems – Windows 10 or 11 or macOS Ventura (or higher).
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T193 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.